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"Body 2 Body" by Stella Cher Lee, featuring Dante Juhkel, is a sensual and catchy dance-pop song. I am in love with Stella Cher Lee's vocals on this track; everything about them is so captivating and smooth. Dante Juhkel's voice adds another fun layer to this track; it catches your attention as there is a distinct difference between his and Stella's verses. I haven't reviewed a song like this yet, and I am glad this one was my introduction. This piece is absolutely phenomenal and should be added to your playlists. This track reminds me heavily of international pop stars Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan. Especially Troye Sivan's first EP, TRXYE. It almost brings me back to 2014—the beginning of electro-pop. This song is about wanting someone in more than just a romantic way, and it does it with a relaxing and smooth instrumental behind it. You are having intimate moments with someone, and you want to know if they feel the same way about you. The songwriting is smart and concise, which is something that I can appreciate. Stella Cher Lee is a singer, songwriter, and makeup artist. She has posted on her YouTube channel on and off since 2020, posting a wide variety of content. Everything from makeup tutorials to motivational mental health speeches to singing videos She has a separate Instagram from her music where she posts some of her makeup looks, and she is very talented with both music and makeup. She released her freshman album, 2:22, on October 22, 2022. Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW STELLA CHER LEE:

Love is oftentimes defined by what you can provide for your partner physically. Expensive dinner dates, large bouquets of flowers, and first class trips to fine, foregin countries are all extravagant ways to express your love towards your romantic partner. In Zach Hood’s latest single, “I ain’t rich, girl”, the singer expresses his inability to provide his lover with the finer things they may hope for; but promises that his love for them is enough to get by. Zach Hood’s “I ain’t rich, girl” establishes that genuine love, respect, and security are key in any true, flourishing relationship. This upbeat pop song tied with Hood’s strong, distinctive vocals, takes a liking to classic pop-rock tracks of the 2000’s with an unique twist. In the line: “We can survive on this ole’ sweet loving”, Zach Hood kicks the idealism found in love songs to the curb and introduces an honest viewpoint that only adds onto his lyricism and personal storytelling. This choice in songwriting and expression pertains to many listeners alike in different ways. For example, it relates to those also unable to fulfill the “fairytale” love story, whilst being a reminder that relationships cannot thrive solely on material. These two perspectives (along with a sweet melody) secures the overall message of the song. That being loved openly and clearly builds the most uniquely beautiful connections. Zach Hood is a singer from Alabama who currently resides in LA. With well over 100m streams on Spotify and 2m+ monthly listeners, Zach Hood has been on a roll ever since signing to Arista Records in 2021. Since then, he has performed at countless festivals, venues, and was even featured on Spotify’s “Pop Rising” and "Radar US". Please check out Zach Hood by clicking on the links below! Written By: Kasey D, FOLLOW ZACH:

‘Night Light’ has such a unique sound to it – I am obsessed! What is the story behind the track? Hailey: Thank you! I love to hear that. It was inspired by a fun but equally rough night when I was still more new to Toronto. It's an amazing playground but also a danger trap at times. Like all things in life, you take the good with the bad. For me, I wanted to focus on the good and continue to manifest goodness for myself through this track. If ‘Night Light’ could be featured in any TV show or movie, which one would you want it to be? Hailey: For whatever reason I feel like it would really fit the vibe for the upcoming HBO show The Idol, but that's not coming out until next year. The trailer looks crazy. How has living in Toronto influenced your music? Hailey: I think living in Toronto has given my sound a more laidback feel. Toronto has given me the space to really learn what I want to become as I go, which I think is powerful. What is one of your favorite memories from performing? Hailey: Any time I look into the crowd and see someone I love. Who have been some of your biggest inspirations? Hailey: Shania Twain, Lady Gaga, and Post Malone are some acts I really, really admire. Can you share anything about upcoming projects? Or goals you have for your musical career? Hailey: At end of the day I would be really happy being a household name in Canadian music. I feel like that would be me reaching my life's purpose for sure. Interviewed By Kendall Koval FOLLOW HAILEY:

There’s something about those star-lit, moon-glow nights that make budding romances even more magical. It’s as if all of the stars in the sky granted your wish to find someone in that moment and nothing can break their spell. Allison Leah depicts this feeling of when you begin a new relationship in “i gave u my number,” a dreamy folk/alternative single that leaves you pining for something similar to happen to you: “Met you in a bar//Down on Second Street//And you danced with me//And I felt so free”. Those butterflies that take flight after a promising encounter are enchanting, but also force your mind to be filled with compulsive questions like, “Will you dream of me when I’m not with you?” and, “Will you love me?”. This song is one many of us can relate to, have related to in the past, or wish to relate to in the near future, which shows Allison Leah’s potency on relatable lyricism. For now, Allison Leah is proving through her song that it’s her world and we’re just living in it—or in this case, listening to it. Dancing down the streets of New York at the brisk of dawn after a spell-bounding night of promising romance, with a bright-eyed smile on your face, is exactly what the production of this single sounds like. Starry melodies, synths that strike optimism, and uplifting guitars that carry a wave of nostalgia fill the instrumentation of the song, easing the listener into seeing past the lyrics. “i gave u my number” is one of those songs that feels like you’re within it, which could pose as a challenge to some musicians to accomplish, but not for Allison Leah. It’s clear that she has a natural knack for capturing her feelings not only within her lyrics, but in the production as well. Her true artistry stems from her stamina while pushing herself past normal elements as she stated herself: “…we even took a bag of ash from the fireplace, dropped it on the ground, and recorded this. This sound became the kick drum in ‘I gave you my number’”. The light brush of folk infused pop within the track, mixed with her sweet ethereal voice, shows comparisons to Florence Welch; an old-soul and passionate singer from the English Indie rock band, Florence and the Machine. Through her single, “i gave u my number,” Allison Leah demonstrates that artists do not have to limit themselves to traditional songwriting rules. You can incorporate different genres of music together. You can even use a bag of ash from the fireplace as an instrument. As long as you are passionate with your music, your genuineness will shine through. And that’s exactly what Allison Leah is—a passionate, genuine star. Allison Leah is a New-York born and Nashville based singer/songwriter, who has a captivating voice and a gift for storytelling. Starting from the early age of 8, Leah began working as a jingle-singer, exposing her to the industry and expanding her love for music. Since then, she has worked hard to fashion her own path in the music world and is an ongoing dedicated artist that is set to make a name for herself. Generating streams and winning the hearts of press outlets, her EP “the weight of my heart”, featuring her newest single, “i gave u my number” has proven her will to do so. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ALLISON LEAH:

Throwback pop-punk single "sleepwalking" by senses is bringing the genre back from the dead and doing it beautifully. The short but sweet track packs a lot of punch and emotion into its short timespan. The production on this track is clear and knows exactly what it is trying to be, and I love it. Normally, new-age pop-punk feels almost embarrassing to listen to, but senses do it in a perfect and genuine way. I appreciate the candid songwriting that is in this song; it doesn't sugarcoat its feelings. It is raw and open and uncomfortable, which is exactly how these negative emotions feel. My first thought was that this song reminds me of singer-songwriter PVRIS. Specifically, one of her first popular releases was "White Noise." This track tells a story of desperately wanting to feel normal again. You're feeling like you're "sleepwalking," almost like you're running on auto-pilot and in a fuzzy, dreamlike dissociative state. All the stress of life is getting to you, and you are willing to do almost anything to avoid the reality of how you feel. Even if that means doing things that are deemed self-destructive. This L.A.-based trio has been releasing music on Spotify since late 2019, amassing an impressive 12,500 monthly average listeners despite only having put out five singles. The band performs live shows, and they are as remarkable live as they are on their tracks. They played at AT&T's pride tour in June 2022, which was done to support The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ charity. Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW SENSES:

Two people, who could’ve had something special, missing each other by one of life’s wavelengths-- it’s an all too familiar story for many of us, and Kalina Tyne’s latest single “Phoebe & Elliott” is a beautiful rendition of such a tale. The song’s clever namesake is not just a metaphor for her story but also a title to which fans of the two songwriting legends (Phoebe Bridgers and Elliott Smith, respectively) are drawn to, as Tyne combines the best of both worlds in her work. “Phoebe & Elliott” opens with the signature sounds of its namesake, with airy yet full vocals over intimate guitar instrumentals. Tyne ramps up the energy by slowly introducing the drums with distorted background vocals that give you a glimpse of not only her emotions but also the golden days of pop-rock music. The lyrics begin reminiscing on an old life yearning for someone who couldn’t be there: imagining them in the passenger seat, playing the music they used to send, buying things they always talked about, and trying to change identities to match what they wanted. Those we care about the most influence how we live in such ways, a theme reflected in the title through Phoebe Bridgers and her admitted influence from Elliott Smith. Yet as the energy of the track comes to a climax, Tyne comes to realize that such a life is only a sad reflection of times long passed, because no matter how hard you try, you can’t hold on to everyone in your life. The LA-based songwriter has been on a roll with her namesake song releases, starting a bold and innovative discography of pop-culture references paired with the stories she tells. But don’t underestimate the rest of Kalina Tyne’s work, as her 2016 EP and three subsequent singles create a strong platform for her future releases to launch from. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW KALINA TYNE:

“Spiders” is a spooky-themed break up rock jam about gradually realizing all of the things you can’t stand from your partner now that they’re gone. The charismatic and ironic chorus of “I want to cover you in spiders and throw you down the stairs, just so you won’t ask me if I still really care” grabs ahold of Ellysse’s emotions, poking fun at her in-the-moment anger and writing all too relatable tongue-in-cheek lines about the frustration and anger and I’m-better-off-without-him mindset. “Spiders” takes ahold of your pettiness and encourages you to let it all out; of course the ideas are outlandish, but it’s still cathartic, still a release of overwhelming emotions. Mason captures some of her darkest thoughts relatably with clever penmanship and open-book insight into her own head. It’s tough to navigate through the messy loss of someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, but Mason does it in style, speaking up on her darkest thoughts as a way of reassuring others that these moments of rage are at the end of the day, just moments of rage, and while the feelings are valid, acting on moments of rage is not. There’s nothing wrong with feeling whatever you’re feeling, but acting on these feelings is where it becomes wrong. Born and raised in Manchester, Ellysse Mason holds up true northern grit, capturing the nostalgic sounds of the 90s, with crunch guitars and the bittersweet taste of indie-pop. As her soundscape perfectly captures her captivating vocals, Mason’s songs are irreplaceable and unapologetic, conveying her own struggles through a new lens. Supporting artists like Tom Walker, Sam Ryder, Patrick Droney, and Fickle Friends, she’s begun to reach huge audiences and sells out headline shows at The Deaf Institute, Band On The Wall, and Manchester Academy 3, also appearing at festivals like Kendal Calling and 110 Above. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ELLYSSE:

Filled with plucky allusions to fairy tales as the title may insinuate, Madison Deaver's latest single "Wicked" is a pop-punk power anthem about karma serving those deserving. Though revenge isn't always the best response, it can feel cathartic to witness the downfall of someone who once burned you. Through her lyrics and mood of the song, Madison Deaver expresses the sweet release of the villain receiving their closing chapter. In her latest single, Madison Deaver has gripped onto nostalgia-inducing aspects of 00's emo hits and modernized the sound into something alluring. The song begins with a solo piano paired with emotional vocals, leading into the well-known buildup of instrumentals before an eruption of heavy drums, distorted guitar, and gritty vocals engulf the track. Madison's growing vocal intensity is reminiscent of power-vocal artists such as Hayley Williams or Halsey. "Wicked" is easily a song I could interchangeably imagine in a long-drive jam session or with a bouncing crowd at a concert. Madison Deaver is a bright-faced new musician contributing to the pop-punk resurgence. The LA-based artist has started gaining well deserved recognition with live shows scheduled widely from Las Vegas to Boston. With just a few years of releasing music under her belt, Madison has made a bold impression amongst the independent female rocker community. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW MADION DEAVER:

Ever feel like throwing yourself a pity party on your birthday? Ellise did in her single, “Black Balloons,” which tells the dark tale of the dreadful feeling that can come with celebrating. Entering into her “madhouse,” we are shown the twisted thoughts that rummage through her brain during the party: “Spent the day in my own broken head//Living for people who wish I was dead.” The song is filled with polar opposites alluding to classic birthday endeavors like rotten cake, poisoned punch and of course, black balloons. As chilling as the song is, “Black Balloons'' is a gift full of clever metaphors and horror-inspired instrumentals that showcase Ellise’s talent for painting symbolic stories through her music. If there’s one wish I’m making after blowing the candles out, it’s for more music like this from Ellise. There’s a reason Ellise is called the “princess of dark pop.” With two albums and an achievement of over 1 million streams monthly on Spotify, this single just adds to her success fire—submerging herself deeper into the industry. With a heavy dose of dark wit, Ellise can easily be compared to alternative/pop sensation, Billie Eilish; her similarities stemming from a production and lyrical standpoint. However, the eerily dramatic violins, haunted bells and a hint of bone-chilling fantasia in “Black Balloons” is what makes her and the music she creates stand out. Her siren-esque vocals are also alluring, conjuring a mesmerizing and festive track. After listening to this October single, it’s crystal clear that if Halloween was a person, it would be Ellise. A San Francisco native, Ellise decided to trade in fog for smog and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17 to pursue her music. She courageously set out to grasp her dreams and turn them into a reality. After making her debut in 2016 with her first single, “Dominoes,” she started making her dreams come true. Just two years later, her hard work paid off as her song “911” from the EP “Can You Keep a Secret?” went viral and trended on social media, earning over 100 million streams on Spotify. This led up to a life-changing milestone in 2020 when she signed a distribution deal with EMPIRE Distribution—allowing her to release her first album, “Chaotic” in 2021. Now, in 2022, Ellise is continuing to write and release hits, garnering her more streams and recognition. Ellise’s take on incorporating realism into her music is bold and daring, but her dark fairytale lyrical twists and theatrical vocal whimsy is what draws people in. The future of the music industry depends on artists like her, who are brave enough to go against the songwriting grain. With her newest single, “Black Balloons” she has shown her commitment, once again, to make a mark within the music world. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ELLISE:

The second this song begins, you’re instantly transported to an early 2000’s movie. This is reminiscent of the soundtrack that plays when the protagonist gets a makeover from her new found popular friends, dancing around in the dressing room, trying obnoxious outfits until they find her that perfect little black dress. She lets her hair down, throws on a dark lip, and she’s ready to date the most popular guy in school… only to remember who she really is. She stops pretending, stops trying to please everyone else, and start listening to her own heart and mind. Needless to say, she dumps the football player, puts back on her glasses and comfy pink sweater, and she finds love within herself and all of her flaws. She never needed him to be something important, she had the magic within herself the entire time, but it can be hard to see your own worth and your own importance in life. We hurt ourselves to heal others, when in reality we need to save ourselves. We can not base our self-worth or merit on others perceptions of us. We can't let bullies or demons get in our head, make us feel less than, and allow ourselves to let it ruin us. I am not who I think I am; I am not who he thinks I am; I am what I think that he thinks I am. Our past experiences weigh on our mind and can cloud our reality of who we really are, but this song helps mend the overwhelming feeling that we are sole voyagers on our lost journey. You simply can’t help but vigorously move your head from side to side along with the drums. The wicked, pulsating beat and Olivia’s alluring, seductive voice make you wanna do all the things you wish you imagine yourself doing in your head that may cause some trouble. “She’s a Liar” by Little Fuss makes you want to enter your villain era. Little Fuss has not just created a captivating song, but a chapter of a chilling story. Their album, Girls At Parties , is a cinematic masterpiece constructed of nine chapter concepts. “She’s a Liar” delves into mental health and the negative spiral that can leave us immobile in life and within the four walls of our own mind. This riveting song of fury and soul is inspired by the short story “Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It’s a chilling tale, one old as time, where a doting wife is abused by her husband and made to feel crazy by his manipulation; she quickly jumps head first into a downward spiral of anxiety that he created, and yet she is the only collateral damage. Anxiety is truly a monster, one we can’t seem to leave under our bed. This song describes the stagnant feeling of fear and self-doubt in a way that will open the conversation in a healthy, realistic way, and will help a lot of people who are facing the same struggle that sometimes can feel eternal. “She’s a Liar” turns misery and isolation into a community of a bunch of individuals who can now take a deep sigh of relief and realize they are not alone in feeling alone. The creative and innovative duo behind Little Fuss, Olivia Martinez and Cody Von Lehmden, are compelling storytellers. This indie art pop duo is able to insert such important messages over such catchy tracks which are going to get stuck in peoples head and help change the negative narrative on mental health. Little fuss is comprised of two extremely talented artists who want to have the hard conversations with the world, and let people know they don’t deserve to feel pain or fear, and their music is going to help people want to find self-love and solutions. These Boston based songsmiths carry so much power and weight within their dynamic words and encapsulating music. They are the type of band that wants to see real change in the world, and they are going to have a piece in getting us there. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW LITTLE FUSS:

I’m so impressed with your new single “Break In”, I can’t stop listening!! Can you share with us the story behind this new track? Callum: Thank you so much, I'm really glad you love it! I had the idea of the concept of the song to use the imagery of someone breaking in a building which represented breaking through my own guarded walls that I think a lot of people have for themselves as well, they hide a lot. This is used like in the lyrics "no tresspassin', you ran past it." Someone special in your life when they're able to get things out of you that you don't necessarily share with them or anyone but this person finds all your flaws and loves the way you are. How did you get your start in music? Callum: I've always really been interested in music for a long time but I first started with dancing and then I became interested in choir and musical theatre as well. It just all progressed into me really wanting to make my own songs which I think is something that started when I was in my early teens. Also, huge congratulations on the release of your debut album “No Strings On Me”! If you could choose one song off the track list for someone who’s never heard your music, which do you think best introduces your sound? Callum: That is such a hard one! A lot of people seem to have a lot of different favourites which is really great. If I'm to pick a song that wasn't a single like I Do It Confident, Dangerous and Break In, maybe I'd pick Broken Shards but also I'm tossing up so many other choices! Do you have a go-to karaoke song?! Callum: Maybe Bring Me To Life by Evanescence that's always a fun one to do, especially as a duo. What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not making music? Callum: I like to stay creative in other ways such as with dancing but also just like to spend time with my friends, watch my favourite movies/tv shows and all that kind of stuff. What do we have to look forward to next from you? I’m so excited to see where this journey takes you :) Callum: Well coming up eventually I should be working on live shows which would be exciting. And of course beyond that I already have ideas for more music which I'm really excited about. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CALLUM:

Have you ever listened to one a song for a second time and realized the lyrics are more meaningful than you thought? That’s probably going to be the case with Maia Malancus’ latest single “Chewing Gum”, a funk and EDM pop track that's more than meets the eye. Maia weaves in the themes of independence and confidence of someone who’s over a breakup between her insanely catchy choruses on this banger of a song. “Chewing Gum” kicks off with a funk style bass and guitar riffs to get the track’s energy grooving without a second to spare. Maia starts singing about what sounds like the aftermath of a toxic breakup, where she has realized she’s happier on her own and doesn’t need her ex back any more. When the chorus hits, the percussion is in full swing with the funk instrumentals while Maia’s “chewing gum” verse ensures that you’ll have this song stuck in your head. Maia doesn’t waste any time on the bridge either, calling back to the opening themes before hitting you with another chorus before you even stop dancing. Maia Malancus’ music career has been going since long before she released her first song, finding massive success in her home country of Romani. Her skills have not only landed her voice acting roles but also put her in the spotlight for some of the biggest talent shows in her country. With an ever growing fan base, Maia’s future work will surely be turning heads around the world. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW MAIA MALANCUS: